Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar Discectomy

A discectomy is a surgical procedure in which the herniated portion of an intervertebral disc, which is causing pain by bulging into the spinal cord or radiating nerves, is removed. A laminectomy is often involved to permit access to the intervertebral disc in a traditional discectomy. This can allow the physician better access. The goal of this procedure is to decrease pain and to allow for better movement and function.

The intervertebral disc is the structure between the vertebrae (bones of the spine), which act as both a spacer and a shock absorber. The disc is composed of two parts: a soft gel-like middle (nucleus pulposus) surrounded by a tougher fibrous wall (annulus fibrosus).

The Herniated Disc

Lumbar nerve root pain (often called Sciatica) generally goes below the knee and is felt in the area of the leg that the particular spinal nerve supplies. Sciatica is usually caused by an intervertebral disc protruding because its tough fibrous wall weakens and is therefore no longer able to contain the gel-like substance in the centre. This material may bulge or push out through a tear in the wall (Herniation) causing pain when it touches a nerve.